We both started working at Mariano’s around the grand opening of the Crystal Lake location. Gabe was a meat cutter, and Alexis was a produce associate. For the first few months, it was just quick smiles and hellos as we were so busy with the rush. Once the grand opening madness calmed, Alexis noticed she was seeing a lot more of the meat department guy. He introduced himself, by making friends with her work friends. Alexis later learned, that Gabe started to look at the produce schedule and start timing his breaks around when she would start her shift. Causing them to run into each other every single day. Gabe started conversation, and started forming a friendship. They started hanging out outside of work and quickly became best friends. Gabe and Alexis went on their first few dates, lunch and CL brewery, and also Edwards Apple Orchard. Somehow along the way they started dating, and quickly fell in love. Gabe said “I love you” first and from there we built a life together. Gabe made a career change and currently works for Costco, and Alexis worked her way up and is now the Produce Manager at the same Mariano’s. We have been living together for nearly 4 years, have 2 amazing pups together, and still visit Edwards Apple Orchard every year. We are so excited to continue building our life together, with much laughter, support, love, and many dogs along the way.